Rothesay Pavilion has taken its next step towards becoming a top cultural tourist destination for Scotland, and a local jobs provider for Bute.
Councillors have given the green light for the final two stages in transforming the Grade A listed Pavilion into a modern-day resource for residents and visitors to Bute.
As well as a major tourist attraction, the Pavilion is being developed as a leisure, culture and entertainment hub for local communities, and a driver for the local and wider economy.
Once complete, it is estimated that it will provide at least 14 direct local jobs for the island, in addition to jobs created during the construction phase, and multi-million pound additional spend to the local economy.
Councillor Jim Lynch, Leader of Argyll and Bute Council said:
“We have reached an exciting milestone for the Pavilion and for Bute. The Pavilion is in sight now as a route to help support and sustain the island as a place to live, work and visit. Today’s decision is an investment in the future of Bute.”
The restoration of the Pavilion has been funded by the council and a number of additional funders. The final elements of funding required to progress to completion were identified primarily through increased contributions from existing funders and via Scottish Government rural growth deal funding.
Councillor Ross Moreland, Policy Lead for Finance, said:
“Economic growth is a key part in moving on from difficult times, such as we’re in just now, to prosperity. The Pavilion’s potential has inspired funding from various sources. Its transformation is about turning investment into economic and community benefit.”
The final phases will be delivered by Robertson Construction Central West (RCCW), the company that is progressing stage 1 to completion.
With work on the building’s exterior well progressed, work will move to focus primarily on developing the building internally. This will involve creating spaces for different uses, and carrying out refurbishment, from electrics to room finishes, to make the building fit for public use.
It is estimated that construction work could be complete by Autumn 2026.
Once the Pavilion’s restoration is complete, the Rothesay Pavilion Charity will take over the programming, management and operations of the Pavilion.
Funding partners include Historic Environment Scotland, Highlands and Islands Enterprise, The National Lottery Heritage Fund and the Coastal Communities Fund.